French director Bruno Dumont's latest film, Red Rocks (Les Roches rouges), debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section, offering a minimalist drama set against the stunning backdrop of the Côte d’Azur.
Minimalist Approach and Stunning Visuals
Dumont, known for his experimental films, diverges from his previous work The Empire, a Star Wars spoof filled with CGI and humor. Instead, Red Rocks is a stripped-down, docu-style film featuring children aged five to seven, reminiscent of Rebel Without a Cause but with a youthful twist. The film's primary allure lies in its cinematography by Carlos Alfonso Corral (The Damned), utilizing short lenses and natural light to capture the Mediterranean's natural beauty.
Plot and Characters
In Red Rocks, the young cast, led by Kaylon Lancel as Géo, explores themes of innocence and rebellion. Géo, a spirited leader riding his mini-moped, is joined by friends Rouben (Mohamed Coly) and Manon (Louise Podolski) as they navigate summer adventures. The story takes a turn with the arrival of Eve (Kelsie Verdeilles), introducing a tale of childhood affection through Dumont's detached storytelling style.
Humor and Unique Moments
Despite its somber tone, the film incorporates the humor reminiscent of Dumont's series Li’l Quinquin. A notable sequence involves Géo and Eve's escapade to Italy, where they encounter Eve's grandparents. This segment, featuring an eccentric tennis lesson disrupted by Russian hunting dogs, adds a whimsical touch to the narrative.
Confrontations and Conclusions
The film's climax sees Géo challenged by a rival, B (Alessandro Piquera), in a seaside confrontation. Though the scene hints at Dumont's signature violent style, it remains subdued, aligning with the film's overall lighter tone. Red Rocks refrains from the graphic intensity of Dumont's past works, offering a gentler perspective while maintaining his distinctive edge.
With its blend of striking visuals and a unique approach to storytelling, Red Rocks stands out at Cannes, showcasing Dumont's continued evolution as a filmmaker.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/red-rocks-review-bruno-dumont-1236592142/
